Why Should You Work With ME?

When someone discovers that I am a photographer, I can count on a few standard questions coming up like clockwork. I thought I'd go ahead and answer these here since you may be wondering the same things.

What got you into photography?

After graduating with a BFA, I worked as a graphic designer and marketing specialist for 13 years. An unexpected layoff left me with LOT of time on my hands.

One sunny afternoon, my kids and I put together an impromptu styled shoot, just for fun. We pulled out every prom, party, and homecoming dress we owned, big fake flowers beaded purses, & a TON of safety pins, then we all piled in the car on a whim. Styled shoots were just gaining popularity and I wasn't entirely sure what I'd gotten myself into. I was delighted with the resulting images and promptly posted the them on facebook.

Within 48 hours, friends were beginning to inquire about the possibility of me shooting them and/or their kids. At first I balked....until one friend said the magic words, "I'll pay you." Mind. Blown. I couldn't believe my ears! "Pay? Me? to take photos of your kids? Um, sure, I guess I can do that." One thing led to another and within a month, I was booked solid. I never looked back.

What do you like most about photography?

I love going one on one with a person, getting them to loosen up, making them laugh so I know exactly what it looks like when they are truly smiling. That's when the real magic happens. I tend to talk about all kinds of things with my subjects when I'm shooting. It's the easiest way to get my client to relax and allows me to get a wide variety of facial expressions.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I'VE LEARNED is that all of us, male, female, fat, tall, skinny, short, young, old, in-between - truly want to be seen in all our beauty, if only for a moment. We want another person to look at us and see the beauty that resides in our soul.

The issues that affect our ability to feel beautiful are close to my heart because I understand them. I've worked in advertising and marketing. I've done my part to make brands and products more attractive and alluring than they really are. The world is body-conscious, image-conscious and is becoming ever more so. I see young girls and women who are, or are about to become, grandmothers (and men and boys too!) dealing with the same confidence-undermining, anxiety-inducing fears. We're too fat, too pimply, too wrinkled, too freckled, too skinny, too flat-chested, too buxom.....we're all too much and so not enough. It's only when someone shows us, in glorious Kodak color that we are effing gorgeous - then, then, we KNOW. We are enough.

While I prefer shooting individual portraits, I also family sessions. Family portraits are important because they capture us with our tribe; they serve to remind us of those we love the most and why we do all that we do. Even in family portraits I try to work in individual portraits of each person as well as the group shots.

I no longer take on weddings. There are wonderful wedding photographers out there who truly excel at recording that most special of days. I'm much more adept at capturing one or a few people at their very best. It took me several years to stop taking every client that came my way but now I work with those clients whose goals fall in line with my strengths as a photographer. I know where I excel as a photographer and I know what I want to accomplish.

I want to make the world feel beautiful, one person at a time.

The thing that makes my heart sing is the phone call or text I get after the image gallery is delivered that says, "Oh my Gosh! You made me look BEAUTIFUL!" When another beautiful soul has finally seen their own glory, that, my friends, truly makes me feel successful.

I'd love the chance to capture your beauty,your inner glow, the glory that is only yours.

If you'd like to work with me, simply click the CONTACT link above and fill out the short form. I'll be in touch within 48 hours.

I’m glad you stopped by and I hope you will come back often to check out new galleries and read my ramblings on the blog. Contact me here,send me an email or even easier, just leave a comment!

Hi, And Thanks For Stopping By! I’m Karen Kelly Callander. I Love A Lot Of
Things. I love to laugh. I love good coffee. I love most carbs. I love
being a photographer. I love quirky. I love my kids. I love lots of color.
My favorites are pink and red. I love dogs. I love a good mojito. I love a
good story. I love good sheets. I LOVE the beach, especially Hwy 30A on the
Gulf Coast. I am seriously in love with the South – I love being from the
South and I love being in the South. Most of all, I love planning out and
shooting great photo sessions. SO, why choose me to be your photographer? I
will work with you to create a crazy awesome photo session experience. The
truth is, when you're having a crazy awesome photo session, then so am i! I
love seeing my clients happy and engaged because that is when the magic
happens. That's why my sessions (except mini sessions) include a sit down
pre-session consultation, professional hair and makeup and a personal
viewing session. Knowing that I understand what you want, that everything
is taken care of and that you look your absolute best allows you to relax
and enjoy the session. Then I can get down to the best job on Earth, making
gorgeous photos. Go ahead, book your session today! I’m glad you stopped by
and I hope you will come back often to check out new galleries and read my
ramblings on the blog. Contact me here, send me an email or even easier,
just leave a comment! Xo, Karen